Dr. Chapa’s OBGYN Clinical Pearls

Exploring lactational mastitis and abscess management, including breast milk culture collection, antibiotic therapy, and complications like abscess identification and drainage. Learn about the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine's treatment protocol and the importance of maintaining breastfeeding post-treatment for optimal recovery.

Obesity is a known modifiable risk factor for complications of pregnancy- both antepartum and intrapartum. Data has confirmed a direct link/risk of stillbirth with obesity. In this session, we will review the data on this link as well as the effect of gestational age on the risk of stillbirth. We will also briefly review the ACOG practice bulletin on gestational diabetes and how this may relate to obesity’s risk of stillbirth. This podcast will also summarize the (conflicting) data on elective induction of labor at term as an attempt to reduce the risk of stillbirth in the obese population.

Periviable birth is defined as delivery occurring from 20 0/7 weeks to 25 6/7 weeks of gestation. When is the earliest time to consider antenatal steroids for fetal lung maturation, and what about magnesium sulfate for neuroprotection? When should tocolytics be utilized? And when is the earliest just stational age to consider a C-section for fetal benefit? In this session, we will cover these questions according to the ACOG consensus statement #6.

Exploring the potential health impacts of MTHFR variants, this podcast delves into the differences between common variants and true mutations. It discusses the rarity of actual risks associated with these variants and emphasizes the importance of early detection. The podcast also explores the effectiveness of folate supplementation in managing elevated homocysteine levels and highlights the limited clinical relevance of testing for MTHFR variants in certain health conditions.

Persistent cough, congestion, low-grade fever… Yep, typical symptoms of acute bronchitis! The CDC and the American College of Physicians have published guidelines on antibiotic stewardship regarding acute bronchitis. When are antibiotics indicated? What about beta-agonist therapy? Do mucolytics work? In this podcast we will review the presentation, etiology, and treatment algorithm of this common clinical diagnosis.

“Never events“, “Sentinel events”, and “Near misses”. These terms strike fear in any healthcare provider! The National Quality Forum, the Agency for Healthcare Quality and Research, and the Joint Commission, all have stressed the importance of patient safety in the operating room and medical wards. In this podcast we will review alarming statistics regarding preventable medical errors, and remind ourselves of ways to keep patient safe.

That’s right… We’re talking about vaginal lubricants! In general, there are 3 main categories: water-based, silicone based, and oil based. Each has their own advantages and disadvantages. Some lubes can actually place the patient at risk of pregnancy if used with a latex condom! In this podcast, we will cover the “lube library“ so that we can better inform our patients since education is key!

Mirror syndrome (first described in 1892) is another term for what is also known as Ballantyne Syndrome or triple edema. Maternal mirror syndrome is a rare consequence of fetal hydrops. By convention, delivery is recommended in pregnancies complicated by mirror syndrome due to grave fetal prognosis. Severe maternal morbidity has also been described. In this session, we will review the clinical presentation, similarities to preeclampsia, and management of this grave complication.

On October 25, 2019, the American Journal of Perinatology published the results of the PROLONG Trial. This study demonstrated no statistical difference in the co-primary outcome of preterm birth less than 35 0/7 weeks of gestation (P = 0.72) and neonatal composite index (P = 0.73) with 17-OHP use. Similarly, the rate of preterm birth less than 37 weeks and less than 32 weeks were not different. On October 25, 2019, the ACOG released a practice advisory about this. Let’s summarize this now.